Colombian President Warns of Potential US Military Action Amid Tensions
3 hours ago
Ione Wells
BBC South America Correspondent, Bogotá
Colombian President Gustavo Petro has voiced concerns over what he believes to be a 'real threat' of military action against Colombia by the United States. In an interview with the BBC, President Petro described the US's approach to international relations as treating other nations like parts of a US 'empire'.
These comments come after former President Trump suggested military action against Colombia. Trump previously intimated that a military operation targeting Colombia 'sounds good' following actions taken against Venezuela. Petro condemned Trump's remarks and disclosed that during a recent phone call, Trump threatened him directly.
The relationship between the two leaders remains fraught despite a recent conversation that Petro described as a shift in tone. Petro emphasized that the dialogue focused on drug trafficking and regional issues concerning US influence in Latin America.
Petro took the opportunity to criticize US immigration policies, particularly the operations of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), likening their actions to those of 'Nazi brigades'. Since President Trump resumed office, ICE has intensified efforts to deport illegal immigrants. Recent operations have led to the deportation of over 600,000 individuals, as well as voluntary departures following a public awareness campaign.
Tensions escalated with the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good, a US citizen, by an immigration agent. The incident drew sharp criticism from local officials and President Petro, who highlighted the risks of aggressive US policies not only for Latin Americans but also for US citizens.
Petro warned that the US risks global isolation due to its current stance, arguing that an empire cannot be built by alienating the world. He underscored a historical pattern of US dominance over Latin American countries, advocating for a shift toward more respectful international relations.